Racing returns to Crystal Palace

The oldest purpose built racing track in the world will soon be hearing the sounds of engines revving again as Motor sport returns to the iconic Crystal Palace circuit in South London over the weekend of the 30th-31st May 2010, for a 2 day Sprint event. This event, being sponsored by the Ancaster Group, will reignite the racing spirit at the park.

The event is being organised by the Sevenoaks and District Motor Club (Sevenoaks DMC) with the support of the London Borough of Bromley, this event will allow fans the chance to experience racing at Crystal Palace, like drivers such as Stirling Moss, Jim Clark and Sir Jackie Stewart, as well as the cars that raced in at the track.

The races will use part of the old track, with the course incorporating the Pond Hairpin, the Big Tree Bend, which is part of the Terrace Straight and the infamous North Tower Crescent, and the paddock will be open, so the spectators will be able to wander round, see the cars close up, speak to the drivers as well as seeing the numerous vehicles on display. All of this will help with the whole racing atmosphere.

The Chairman of Sevenoaks DMC, Martin Chinnery commented on this, and he said: “Sevenoaks DMC is extremely pleased to announce the return of motorsport to Crystal Palace. Thanks to a lot of hard work and the support of our title sponsor, the Ancaster Group, we’re delighted that fans will once again be able to experience racing at the Palace. The range of cars competing, coupled with additional events and displays, will make this a fantastic event for everyone, whether you’re a motorsport fan or just after a fun day out.”

The Managing Director of Ancaster, Stephen Wood added on the subject: “It’s not every day you have the opportunity to become a part of history in the making. This event has South London roots older than our own. To see some truly fantastic pieces of machinery – old and new – will make these two days an event not to be missed.”

To celebrate this event, a host of cars, both vintage and new, will be racing for the honour of fastest car at the park. Many of them will have raced there when the track was first in operation, and this event will give motorsport enthusiasts, motoring enthusiasts and the general public a chance to see some of the oldest race cars being raced at Britain's oldest purpose built race track.

As well as the classic cars taking to the track, the cars of the future will also take to the track, giving fans a glimpse of what is to come in the future, both in Motorsport and in general motoring.

Each competitor will be donating a minimum of £10 which will go to St. Christopher's Hospice and the Royal London Society for the Blind, exhibitors will also donate, which will help to ensure that the Motorsport at the Palace event has a lasting benefit on the local community.

Tickets for spectators will be £10 on the day or discounted if pre-booked via www.motorsportatthepalace.co.uk.

Check out the video below for a look back at Crystal Palace in it’s heyday.

Racing returns to Crystal Palace was last modified: February 9th, 2010